• My structure that supports a reactor is vibrating, causing failures of pipe and instrumentation. What is causing it? The first step is to identify the forcing function in the system. It may be that dynamic conditions inside the reactor is the source of the forcing function. Field data acquisition could assist in determining the movement and frequency of the structure. From there, a study of the reactor conditions using CFD or hand calculations can help understand what is happening. A structural dynamics model using FEA with the forcing function driving the problem will validate what is seen and measured. From there the system can be detuned. We are your one stop shop. Our static equipment group has over a hundred years of experience in vessels and many involving complex risk management issues.
• What happens in the problem above when there is an agitator? Depending on the dynamic response, the cause of the problem may be unbalance or the interaction of the fluid dynamics with the blades. Perhaps the static baffles are experiencing a shedding frequency from the fluid dynamics. In any case the vibration signature needs to be determined and the forcing function defined. KnightHawk has reconfigured baffle systems to knock out the problem. Our rotating equipment group has over 150 years of experience in dealing with complex problems in Turbomachinery.
• For the structural problem discussed what measurements should be taken? The answer is found by instrumenting and monitoring the actual operation to determine the dynamic pressures and vibration in the system. Depending on what is found, the signature will dictate what kind of forcing function is present. Our field services group can serve your needs by developing and implementing a protocol to get the data you need.
• What are the fractures of the failed components in the structural problem telling us? Lab testing can provide useful information on what the mechanism for failure is. Perhaps it is an impulse from a one-time load or it is reverse bending from resonant vibration. Perhaps it is ductile overload. These valuable forensics can complete the picture. Our Materials group can get to the bottom of it, in our lab. 

KnightHawk Projects:     

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Don't forget about the wealth of information in KHE newsletters:   

 http://www.knighthawk.com/newsletter.html

Project Spotlights:

• Test rig design

• Structural vibration caused by acoustic pulsation.

• Vessel flange seal failure

• Steam turbine failure analysis

• Compressor Vibration

• Gear Pump Failure

• Pump Failure

• High Temperature Vessel Design

• Storage Tank Failure Analysis

• Piston Failure

• Piping Stress

• Acoustical Vibration - Reciprocating Compressor

• Gas Plant Failure Analysis

• Compressor Vibration Field Services 

Tradeshow Spotlight: Come See KnightHawk at Corrosion 2015, March 15-19, Dallas Convention Center, Booth 15044

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